Dana Allerton, who played for Jones when her St. Vital squad represented Manitoba at the 2002 Scott Tournament of Hearts, will replace Georgina Wheatcroft at lead, Jones confirmed yesterday.

Allerton had been committing her time to raising a young family but now that her son is four and her daughter is one, she is ready to return to the competitive curling scene.

"She had a young family and time was hard to come by," Jones said. "But she approached us and said she had a plan in place. Obviously, (second) Jill (Officer) and I played with her before and she's one of my very best friends so, that should be an easy feeling-out process."

Allerton played with Jones and Officer when they won the 1994 national junior championship.

But Allerton will need to juggle time between her kids and a full-time job at a day-care centre.

"It will definitely take some doing but I know I can do it with the support of my husband and my (employer) will allow me to take holidays during the curling season," Allerton said. "And it would be worth it, too, if we can get to the (2010) Olympics."

Jones, who won the 2005 Canadian crown with Cathy Gauthier at lead, was seeking someone who could commit toward qualifying for the 2009 Olympic trials.

"That's our goal and it will be a huge commitment," Jones said.

Allerton played for Lisa Fargey two years ago and served as fifth for Karen Porritt last season.

"I've missed it a lot," she said. "Just watching them on TV reminded me of what it's like and I am really looking forward to getting back into that level of curling again."

Wheatcroft found it too much to leave her own young family behind in B.C. and may reunite with Kelley Law.